Sam Fender Celebrates BRIT Award Win with Girlfriend Rosa Collier
Sam Fender, the 31-year-old musician, made headlines at the 2026 BRIT Awards by winning the Song of the Year for his track “Rein Me In.” The ceremony, held at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena, marked a significant moment in the event’s history as it was the first time the awards were hosted outside of London. Sam, who was nominated for four awards this year, shared the stage with Olivia Dean, 26, for the hit song that spent 35 weeks in the Top 40.
During the ceremony, as Robbie Williams presented the award to Sam and Olivia, Sam took a moment to share a congratulatory kiss with his girlfriend, Rosa Collier, who is rarely seen in public. This gesture highlighted the personal side of the evening, adding a touch of intimacy to the celebration.
A Growing Relationship
Rosa, an actress, has been in a relationship with Sam since 2022. Their connection deepened in 2023, and they have since traveled together, including a romantic trip to the Maldives. According to a friend of Sam, the couple is very serious about their relationship. Rosa is well integrated into Sam’s life, even joining him on tour and being a constant presence in the crowd, supporting her partner.
Olivia Dean Dominates the Night
Olivia Dean had an outstanding night, winning four awards in the categories of Best Artist, Best Album, Best Song, and Best Pop Act. Her achievements are particularly notable as she became the first woman to claim the UK’s No 1 single and album in the same week since Adele in 2021. Her song “Man I Need” and album “The Art Of Loving,” both released in 2025, showcased her talent and solidified her place in the music industry.
Lily Allen’s Disappointing Night
In contrast to Olivia’s success, Lily Allen did not win any awards at the event. Despite her fifth studio album, “West End Girl,” which dominated the charts last year, she failed to secure wins in key categories such as Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best Pop Act. The album chronicled the collapse of her marriage to Stranger Things star David Harbour, detailing his alleged affair with ‘Madeline’ during their relationship.
Lily Allen, 40, has only won one BRIT award in her career and chose not to attend this year’s ceremony. She had previously been nominated eight times, highlighting the challenges she faced in securing recognition.
Honoring Musical Legends
Noel Gallagher, 58, was honored with the Songwriter of the Year award after reuniting with his brother Liam for the Oasis reunion tour. His contribution to the music industry was celebrated, showcasing his enduring influence.
Sharon Osbourne, 73, accepted the BRITs Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of her late husband, Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away in July. Supported by her daughter Kelly, 41, Sharon delivered a heartfelt speech, reflecting on Ozzy’s legacy as a gifted and unpredictable artist who rose from a working-class background to become a respected figure in the music world.
A New Era for the BRIT Awards
The 2026 BRIT Awards marked a significant shift in the event’s history, as it was the first time the ceremony was held outside of London. The move to Manchester, under the stewardship of Sony Music UK, signaled a new era for the awards. Past venues included iconic locations such as Earl’s Court, the London Arena, and the Royal Albert Hall.
A source told the Daily Mail that the change represents the end of an era, as the BRIT Awards have been hosted in London since 1977. However, the move is seen as an opportunity to reach a new audience and diversify the event’s appeal. The decision reflects a growing appetite within the music industry to break away from traditional venues and embrace a more inclusive approach.
This shift not only highlights the evolving nature of the BRIT Awards but also emphasizes the importance of reaching broader audiences and celebrating the diverse talents across the UK.
